NPDES permit on schedule?

EPA’s development of a new NPDES permit for applications of pesticides over water may run into the cold, hard reality of being a logistical nightmare. While EPA appears to be moving ahead toward meeting a court-appointed deadline of April 2011, observers like CropLife America’s Jay Vroom say it’s doubtful EPA and the states can begin implementing and enforcing the new permit in a timely manner. CropLife America, which says the permit is a radical departure from current legal precedent, says it will greatly complicate pesticide applications for mosquito control, unwanted aquatic vegetation and other public health needs, while potentially forcing a number of small entities out of business.